The ultimate goal of the first critical target of gear durability was an incredible challenge. In the past, gear durability was sacrificed for gear smoothness, or smoothness sacrificed for durability. This is because the harder the gear material, the stronger the durability, but generally the rougher or noisier the drivetrain becomes.

After testing many different materials for both the drive gear and the pinion gear, from zinc to brass, to stainless steel to different alloys of aluminum, the Paladin Gear System was born.

Using a special cold forged aluminum drive gear and a hardened brass pinion gear, reels equipped with the Paladin Gear Durability Enhancement will retain their out-of-the-box smoothness much longer than before. In fact, testing has shown that this combination of metals is more durable than an all-stainless steel drivetrain while maintaining the smoothness that Shimano is famous for.

Machine cutting, die-casting and pressing are popular methods of metal fabrication. Die-casting is usually done by pouring or pressing red hot metal into shape. This method is very easy, which leads to its popularity in use.

Cold forging, a process that fabricates metal at normal temperatures, is something that Shimano has spent much time studying and using to become one of the leaders in this technology today.

The cold forging method can acheive the metal's original strength without sacrificing the molecular structure of the metal. Cold forging is used on the drive gear, spools, handles, etc. For example, the drive gear is made out of the highest standard of aluminum material combined with the cold forging techonology. Because each tooth has been cold-forged, unbelievable molecular density is achieved while using a minimal amount of metal to reduce the weight. The end result is an unbelievably strong, lightweight gear.